In an agreement to purchase goods or services, there are two parties: a buyer and a seller. Each party has certain requirements, including payment for the asset and providing the asset as it was described throughout the sales process. However, in high-stakes financial transactions, there is often more at play.

A buyer wants to ensure that the asset being purchased is the quality they expect and the seller wants to ensure that payment for the asset, once the value is proven, is received in a timely manner. If it is not, they want the ability to sell to other potential buyers.

To protect both of these parties and ensure fair deals, an escrow provider is brought in as a middleman to hold assets until both parties have met their sides of the agreement. In the sale of a home, the provider will hold the cash from the buyer and property documents from the seller.

Once the agreement has been reached, the escrow provider will distribute assets according to the agreement and close the escrow account. This process protects the buyer and the seller who would otherwise be at risk for one party falling through on their end of the deal.

Types of Escrow Accounts

As previously mentioned, escrow accounts can be used in a variety of settings but are most commonly used in real estate. In real estate, there are two types of escrow accounts used: one in the home buying process and one after the sale has closed and the buyer owns the property.

1. Home Buying Escrow Account: To protect the buyer from hidden property damages and the seller from uncommitted buyers
2. Homeowner Escrow Account: To ensure annual property taxes and homeowners’ insurance payments are made, in a convenient monthly format bundled with a homeowner’s mortgage payment.

Home Buying Escrow Accounts

In the process of purchasing a home, there is typically a requirement for a good-faith payment, called earnest money, to show the seller you are seriously considering the purchase of their property. The amount of an earnest payment varies but is often 1 to 3 percent of the value of the property.

Here’s where escrow comes in. An escrow account will be set up to hold this good-faith payment, in addition to the property deed, and ensure the owners are given to the entitled party throughout the process.

In the case that a contract falls through at the fault of the buyer, the seller will typically be given the earnest money. If there’s an issue with the property that wasn’t disclosed or known of before the sale of the property, such as a bad roof or poor infrastructure found during the inspection, the buyer can get the earnest money back if the issues aren’t solved.

If everything goes as planned in the agreement, the money will be put toward the buyer’s down payment.

Homeowner Escrow Accounts

After the sale is closed and the buyer owns the property, the mortgage lender could open an escrow account to pay for the homeowners’ property taxes and insurance. This account is funded through a homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments made to the lender. Once received, the lender or mortgage servicer will take a chunk of that mortgage payment and put it in the escrow account to pay for tax and insurance payments. Property taxes are paid three to four times a year, and insurance is usually paid annually.

In this scenario, a breakdown of the monthly mortgage payment would include the following elements, often referred to as “PITI.”

Since tax amounts and insurance premiums can vary each year, the mortgage servicer will estimate the escrow payments added to the monthly mortgage a year out, based on the amount from the previous year. As an escrow account is a form of insurance to the lender that you will pay your bills, a servicer may also require that there is an extra two months worth of payment in the escrow.

Each year, a servicer will take a look at the escrow account and make sure there isn’t a surplus or deficit of funds needed. In the case of a surplus, they will distribute a refund to the homeowner. In the less likely case of a deficit, the homeowner will need to pay what is still needed to make the payment. Typically, a homeowner can satisfy this through a lump sum payment or an increase in the amount of their monthly mortgage payment that funds the escrow account.

Throughout this process, if a homeowner would like to take money out of their escrow account, they will have to follow the processes laid out by the servicer, though disbursements often only happen when a lender changes or the property is sold. Usually, if a homeowner is selling a home, the servicer will refund any funds in the escrow account within 30 days after the sale of the property.

Pros and Cons of Escrow Accounts

There are several pros and cons to utilizing escrow accounts in the purchase of a new home and paying taxes and homeowners’ insurance.

Pros

The purpose of escrow is to protect the seller and the buyer, as well as the lender in a mortgage agreement.

• If there’s an issue found during an inspection of the home and the sale falls through, the buyer will receive their earnest payment back in line with the agreement.
• Homeowners can pay their mortgage, property taxes, and homeowners’ insurance to one party (their lender or mortgage provider) in monthly payments rather than having to come up with large payments annually.
• By collecting money from the homeowner monthly, lenders and mortgage providers can ensure that annual property taxes and homeowners’ insurance are paid on time so the property isn’t put in jeopardy.

Cons

The cons of escrow primarily fall on the homeowner in the agreement.

• A homeowner will have higher monthly mortgage payments since homeowners’ insurance and property taxes are included to fund your escrow account.
• The dollar amount needed for the escrow account may vary after the close of the property sale depending on property tax and homeowners’ insurance costs. This could result in a refund to the homeowner or more money needed from them to make the payment.
• The monthly mortgage payment could change each year. If a homeowner frequently owes money due to higher tax and insurance costs, a lender or mortgage provider will raise the monthly payment to avoid out of pocket expenses moving forward. If a homeowner frequently has excess in their account, the servicer will either lower the monthly mortgage payment or keep it the same to provide a cushion for any future changes.

Do You Have to Have an Escrow Account?

You may not always have to use an escrow account to pay for property taxes and insurance. If you choose to do so yourself, you will have lower monthly mortgage payments, but you will be responsible for coming up with large payments by the annual due dates, which can be thousands of dollars.

In some cases, however, you may not be able to avoid an escrow account. Many lenders now require an escrow account to take out a mortgage to lower their lending risks. In other cases, you may need to have a significant down payment to opt out of an escrow account. They can also incentivize the borrower to use the escrow by lowering the interest rate.

How Do You Get an Escrow Account?

Your real estate agent or lender may recommend a service provider to handle your purchase escrow account, but you should ensure they are reliable. Your best bet is going for a well-known escrow company that has positive reviews online.

Escrow is a valuable service that protects all parties in the process of buying a home. It ensures the buyer receives a fair deal, the seller gets their payment, a homeowner has no outstanding tax or insurance payments and that the mortgage provider gets their money back.

While an escrow account may not be required in all cases, it can be a good decision for the large financial investment of buying or selling a home. Most of the time, you don’t know who the buyer or seller is in the real estate market. To give yourself peace of mind, an escrow account can serve as insurance during the process. In no time, the house you want to buy can be yours, or the house you want to sell can be in good hands. If you want to learn more about the home buying process do’s and don’ts, make sure you check out Mint for expert financial advice.

SOURCES:

Intuit Mint Life: “What Is Escrow and How Does It Work?” © 2022 Intuit, Inc. All rights reserved.

Most people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus are relatively well-protected from serious illness and death from COVID-19.

But even highly effective vaccines often become less so over time. Early research on vaccines that use mRNA to protect you from the coronavirus, like those from Pfizer and Moderna, suggest that they eventually lose some of their power against infection and serious illness, no matter the variant of the virus (like Alpha, Beta, or Delta). Getting another shot several months after the first round, called a “booster shot,” can help supercharge the vaccine’s effectiveness.

The CDC and FDA both recommend getting a COVID-19 booster shot if you’re eligible. 

Boosters for Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines

Anyone who got the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months ago should get a booster shot if they’re 18 years old or older. The CDC also recommends Pfizer-BioNTech booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds if they’re 6 months past their first two Pfizer vaccine shots.

Boosters for Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

If you got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you should get a booster if you’re 18 or older and got vaccinated 2 or more months ago.

Can You Mix and Match Booster Shots?

Yes. For example, if you got the Moderna vaccine and you prefer to get a Pfizer booster shot, that is perfectly OK, according to the CDC. You can decide if you want to stick with a booster that matches your initial vaccine, or if you want to get one of the other two. (The three vaccines available in the U.S. are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.)

Some research suggests mixing vaccines in this way gives as much and perhaps even more protection against COVID-19 infection. 

What Else Does Research Say About COVID-19 Boosters?

Boosters are just a type of vaccine, and scientists already know that vaccines are currently the best defense against COVID-19, especially its most serious effects. That’s why it’s important to get vaccinated right away if you qualify, as most people 5 and older do.

Research also has found that:

• In general, antibodies from vaccines decline over time.
• Higher antibody levels from vaccines seem to make the average person less likely to get sick from the coronavirus (vaccine efficacy).
• Booster shots of mRNA coronavirus vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) increase antibodies by about 10 times.
• Boosters can provide you further protection against the Omicron variant. Early data shows that this variant is more transmissible than other variants.

What if You Have a Weakened Immune System?

The CDC already suggests a third dose of mRNA vaccine for people with weaker immune systems, especially those who are “moderately to severely immunocompromised.” This includes those who are getting cancer treatment, who have had a stem cell or organ transplant, who have advanced or untreated HIV, or who are taking certain medications.

Though not technically a booster shot, many people still call it that.

This extra dose, typically given a month or so after the second dose, is meant to increase the first immune response because:

• People with weaker immune systems are more likely to have serious, long-term illness from COVID-19.
• A weaker immune system may not respond as strongly to the vaccine and so may not make enough antibodies to fight off infection and serious illness from COVID-19.
• Even with a good vaccine response, people with weaker immune systems may benefit from extra protection against COVID-19.

If you have a weakened immune system and have had a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, talk to your doctor about whether you might need a booster shot.

WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on December 10, 2021

SOURCES:

CDC: “CDC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots,” “COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot,” “CDC Statement on ACIP Booster Recommendations,” “Comparative Effectiveness of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Vaccines in Preventing COVID-19 Hospitalizations Among Adults Without Immunocompromising Conditions — United States, March-August 2021,” “Media Statement from CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, on Signing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Recommendation for an Additional Dose of an mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People,” “COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People,” “Talking with Patients Who Are Immunocompromised,” “CDC Expands COVID-19 Booster Recommendations to 16-and-17-year-olds,” “CDC Expands COVID-19 Booster Recommendations.”   

U.S. Office of the Surgeon General.

Anthony Fauci, MD, director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

CHEAC.org: “FDA VRBPAC Votes to Recommend COVID-19 Boosters for Older Adults and High-Risk Groups.”

FDA: “Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Takes Additional Actions on the Use of a Booster Dose for COVID-19 Vaccines,” “Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting, September 17, 2021.”

Nature: “Mix-and-match COVID vaccines ace the effectiveness test.”

Mayo Clinic: “COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know.”© 2021 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

The association maintains and cares for the integrity of the community, similar how a landlord takes care of apartments in a complex. There are various benefits included in belonging to an HOA, but with it, comes a roster of do’s and don’ts.

HOA’s vary in structure and requirements, so it’s important to determine if it’s right for you.

Pro: Provided Amenities

Different HOA’s provide different perks. These usually include swimming pools, workout facilities, tennis courts, playgrounds, basketball courts, and sometimes even golf courses. They are only available to the residents of the community.

These perks are free for residents to use because the maintenance costs are already added to the HOA fees. Certain communities will even host community cookouts, sporting events, and block parties. If you’re looking for a sociable community, an HOA might be right for you.

Cons: Exclusive Rules for Homeowners

Belonging to an HOA requires a homeowner to abide by a (potentially lengthy) roster of rules and regulations.

Some of the guidelines can be quite simple to follow, while others can be more tedious and frustrating to keep up with. These rules may include the size of your garden, fence dimensions, the number of pets allowed, and even the type of fertilizer used on your lawn.

Failing to abide by these regulations may result in expensive fines and possible expulsion from the association all together.

Pro: Aesthetically Pleasing

The plus-side to keeping up with all and any community rules is that the neighborhood is always upkept and maintained.

You won’t ever have to worry about stepping in dog poo during your morning jogs or dealing with a neighbor that has 7 “project cars” taking up space in the cul-de-sac. Certain standards are expected out of the residents to help care of the community as a collective effort.

Con: Limited Improvement

As a member of an HOA, you cannot simply decide to change the exterior attributes of your home. Everything from painting to installing new window awnings must be approved by the board of the HOA.

Other restrictions include approved yard ornaments and even garbage can placement. Failure to comply with these strict regulations result in hefty fines and possible eviction in extreme cases.

Pro: Increased Property Value

All of these rules and regulations assure residents that no individual property will degrade and compromise the property values of other homes in the area. If you are buying a home with the intentions to sell in the future, this may be an avenue worth exploring.

According to a study conducted in 2019 by UC-Irvine, homes which were sold in HOA communities increased their value by 4% on average.

Con: HOA Fees

The benefits that an HOA offer is certainly not free and require the payment of additional fees. These fees are charged separately property taxes and monthly mortgage payments. If you’re a member, you’re responsible for these payments even if you don’t use the amenities offered.

In certain communities, failure to pay these dues may result in extreme penalties such as foreclosure and liens on your home. This means that even if your mortgage payments are caught up to date, failure to pay HOA fees can still result in foreclosure.

Do Your Research

A Homeowners Association is certainly not for everyone, but some communities can be tailored to an individual’s specifications. Plenty of homes can be bought inside and outside of an HOA. Before purchasing, never be afraid to ask questions.

This list will help you traverse the hardships of purchasing your first home with ease.

Decide What You Can Realistically Afford?

Large investments, such as purchasing a home, can often change and bias your perspective on various pricing. In the big scheme of things, the difference between 100,000 and 300,000, for example, may appear equivalent. However, when it comes to day-to-day living and spending, that extra 200,000 could come back to bite you.

You must first assess your limits before deciding on an investment that is both feasible and within your budget. Make sure you’re not going overboard with your spending. The desire to spend “just a little bit more” for your dream home is great, but the consequences may exceed the benefits. So, start saving money as early as possible, and create a budget for yourself that follows realistic limitations.  

Calculate ALL Potential Costs

Don’t be taken aback by unexpected charges and fees. Make a list of all of your possible bills and do your homework. Property taxes, for example, are government-imposed fees that all homeowners must pay, with rates ranging by location and state.

Homeowners’ insurance is another cost to consider. You are responsible for insuring your home against any harm as the owner. The cost of these services will be determined by the size, location, and value of your home.

Get Your Credit in Order

This is a basic step in the home-buying process that can be overlooked. As a general guideline, you should check your credit at least one year before making a property purchase. This provides you with a convenient window to repair any mistakes or errors on your credit report.

If your credit isn’t quite where it should be, you can use this time to continue growing it for better rates.

Understand Your Credit Report

Fully comprehending your credit report is vital, so be sure you are receiving your score from a reliable source. It has long been the case that you must pay a fee to view your report. However, in recent years, the emergence of a slew of third-party companies that provide free glimpses of your report has relieved some of the pressure. These companies, on the other hand, provide varying degrees of accuracy in your report. In some cases, paying directly to a main provider may be advisable.

Find a Dependable Realtor

A realtor is someone who represents you. They serve as a bridge between you and the vendor. They assist you, negotiate expenses and make deals that benefit you. Having a realtor on your side can be quite advantageous. They may be able to assist you in establishing deals that you would not have been able to do on your own.

When it comes to selecting a realtor, you want to make sure that they are looking out for your best interests. They must not only be qualified and experienced, but they must also be dependable. They are, after all, negotiating on your behalf.

Using a realtor is strongly advised for first-time purchasers.

Determine Exactly What it is You Want

What exactly are you aiming to accomplish? Are you planning on making a long-term purchase? Or are you planning to sell soon? You should conduct your research not only on your own property but also on other properties in the region. Determine the direction in which the housing market in your area is heading and analyze its values. This can be a time-consuming task, but the results will be well worth it.

Write Down Everything You Want

What physical characteristics of your home would you like, aside from future plans with your property? When it comes time to decide, writing down your exact criteria can help you keep organized and prevent stumbling around. It’s a good idea to stay organized and make a written list of everything you’ll need. After all, it’s your home, and it should be precisely how you want it for the money you’re paying.

We get it. You love your pets, and you love your houseplants—they’re almost like pets themselves! In many cases, pets and plants can safely co-exist, but there are also a large number of well-known houseplants that are toxic to cats and dogs. This can be a dangerous issue if your beloved pup decides to make an afternoon snack out of indoor greenery.

The best defense is to make sure you don’t keep certain plants in your home at all. Below, we’ll talk about why plants can be toxic, review five poisonous specimens you should avoid, and talk about what you should do if your pet does happen to eat one of these or other harmful varieties.

What Makes Plants Toxic?

In the wild, most animals can easily hide or defend themselves from predators if needed. On the other hand, plants are stationary and can’t sneak into a hole if an herbivore comes along to make a meal out of them. Because of this, plants have evolved to have mechanisms such as thorns and chemical weapons that they can use to defend themselves.

Two examples are insoluble calcium oxalates and saponins. Plants with insoluble calcium oxalates contain tiny needle-like crystals that can become lodged in an animal’s mouth and causing vomiting, excessive salivation, and swelling. Plants with saponins have a bitter taste that is generally unpalatable to humans and animals and can cause gastric distress and other symptoms. Saponins are also present in quinoa but in quantities too small to likely cause any issues, especially with pre-rinsing.

5 Toxic Houseplants

Now that you know why some plants are toxic, we’ll run through several plants from the ASPCA’s database you’ve likely seen and may even own that are unfortunately toxic to cats and dogs.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a plant you likely know about because of its sunburn-relieving qualities. It’s characterized by an often non-existent stem and chunky, tapered leaves. If your pet ingests aloe, they may become lethargic, start vomiting, or have bouts of diarrhea.

Cutleaf Philodendron

Also known as Swiss Cheese Plant, Cutleaf Philodendron, with its striking, tropical-looking foliage, is one of the trendier plants you’ve likely seen on your Instagram feed. It’s also known as “Monstera Deliciosa.” Signs of Cutleaf Philodendron poisoning in your pet can include mouth irritations, hypersalivation, and swallowing problems.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia, also known as Giant Dumb Cane, Exotica, or Tropic Snow, may be easy to grow, but it’s also dangerous for your cat or dog. If your pet gets into this plant, it may exhibit similar signs to Cutleaf Philodendron poisoning. The sap of this plant is also an irritant, and you should take care to clean your hands thoroughly if you encounter it.

Gold Dust Dracaena

Gold Dust Dracaena, aka Florida Beauty, lives up to both its names with an attractive variegated pattern across the leaves. Cats that ingest this plant may exhibit a faster heart rate or indicate pain in the abdominal area. Dogs and cats exposed may lose their appetite, experience vomiting, or seem weak, among other symptoms.

Golden Birds Nest

You might know Golden Birds Nest plant by another name, such as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or Snake Plant, but chances are you’d recognize the upright, multi-colored leaves of this plant if you saw it. While it has air-purifying qualities, it also can induce vomiting and other gastrointestinal issues in cats and dogs.

What to Do If Your Dog or Dog Eats a Toxic Plant

It happens. Your pets show absolutely no interest in your plants—until they do. If you catch your pet eating a toxic plant or any plant that you don’t know 100% isn’t harmful, remove them from the area and call your vet. If you don’t see your pet tampering with your plants but have reason to expect that they have been, you should do the same thing. Your vet will be able to guide you through the right next steps whether your pet is exhibiting symptoms or seems fine.

Taking these precautions and avoiding having these plants in your house can head off many tragic accidents and keep your pet safe and healthy for years to come.

“Staging” is the practice of setting up and furnishing an empty house being sold, rather than leaving it empty. It’s all for cosmetic purposes. Staging is a relatively new practice that has exploded in popularity in the past 2 decades.

It was discovered that furnishing homes when selling had psychological effects on potential buyers. It acts as an audition to eager people who prowl the markets.

Staging acts as “make-up” to any home with mild blemishes. Viewing a home completely empty is useful but can often show every little flaw it may contain. These flaws may not be enough to ruin the sale on their own, but they stand out much clearer when the room is empty.

Keeping Up with the Jones’s

You might not be a fan of staging, but it’s quickly become a fundamental staple within the industry. A staggering number of home sellers are following this commodity, which means your home will likely be sold against professionally staged homes. According to Investopedia, 82 percent of buyers agents confirmed that staging undoubtably made selling easier. It made it easier for buyers to “visualize the property as a future home”, according to a report by the National Association of Realtors.

Another thing you may want to consider is your online presence. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that 93 percent of people dwelling in the market used online listings to search. The internet is fantastic source for home selling, it broadens your reach to so many more people, but this also means your home needs to look good online. This rings especially true in the age of “DIY” television which has heightened our expectations of what a home looks like. High-resolution pics combined with a properly staged home can dominate a market. If you can’t capture adequate pictures yourself, hire a professional to help. There is a notably difference between amateur and professional staging.

Proper staging also effects how much it can sell for. According to a 2017 report performed by the NRA, 58 percent of realtors experienced higher offers given to staged homes over those sold empty. Any where from 5 to 10 percent higher than asking price. That’s a significant mark in competitive markets. Only 14 percent of sellers believed staging to be an unnecessary tactic.

Home Staging Resource is a website that aids eager sellers in staging their homes. They recently performed a study involving 4,200 staged homes. 85 percent of the staged homes sold for up to 25 percent more than the un-staged homes.

Plain and simple, staging a home shows professionality and care towards the environment that largely translates to eager home buyers.

The expenses of staging may wildly vary. First, you need to consider the level of staging required, and which source you’ll choose for advertising. Will you be strictly online? Will you hold open houses? For example, virtual staging is when you photoshop furnishings into a picture for online posting. It’s become mildly popular and can be incredibly cost effective if you don’t plan on hosting physical open houses.

You first need to determine how much you’re willing to spend vs. how much you think you’ll make back. Staging often requires renting furniture to furnish the home, which can still be worth the endeavour. But using your own furniture not only cuts costs into thirds, but also might make you a profit. Home buyers have been known to purchase the furniture that comes with a staged home.

Now that the weather is warming up (perhaps a little too warm this year), it’s time to air out the house, mow our lawns, and most importantly: clean our grills.

Besides warmer weather, this sensational season brings out the best in summer cuisine and all the refreshing flavors we’ve been craving during these harsh winter months.

The All-American Cheeseburger

The top of this list is an all time classic. Nothing says summertime like the satisfying sizzle of a classic cheeseburger. But, even the most basic staples should stand tall.

With some ground chuck, onion powder, salt/pepper, and any cheese of your choice. In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients together by hand, but be sure to not overwork the meat. Divide them into equal portions and press them into patties. You can use them the same day or freeze them!

The All-American Cheeseburger

Tuna Deviled Eggs

Yet another classic summer dish with a twist. You still want the typical fixings like hardboiled egg yolks, mayonnaise, dill, and paprika; but this time we’re adding sriracha, dill, Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and tuna. You can either combine the tuna into the mix or garnish them on top of the eggs. Either way, this creative twist will pleasantly surprise any guests.

Tuna Deviled Eggs

Elotes

Elotes takes the classic corn on the cobb but adds a Hispanic twist. It’s a hugely popular street fare item.

Grilled corn on the cobb, lathered with a mixture of sour cream and mayonnesa (Mexican mayonnaise), seasoned with chili powder, smoked paprika, cilantro, Cojita cheese, then generously topped with queso fresco. It’s just as appetizing to the eyes as it is to the belly.

Jalapeno Cornbread

Cornbread is on the Mount Rushmore of comfort cooking, but by adding a one simple ingredient like jalapeno peppers kicks this classic dish into gears you didn’t know existed.

This recipe uses common pantry items like flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda/powder, salt, butter, and eggs. But for this dish we’re adding a bit of cheddar cheese and jalapenos. Mix the ingredients into a batter and bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Make sure to pre-heat the oven with the skillet inside to warmup.

Jalapeno Cornbread

Classic Corndog

This one is fun for the kids. It’s a classic, easy to make, and requires minimal ingredients. All you’ll need is hotdogs, cornmeal, flour, eggs, and a bit of milk.

If you don’t have a deep fryer, no problem! All you need is a skillet, a stove, and a bit of hot oil. After frying them to a golden brown, let them dry and cool on a towel before serving. These are perfect for birthday parties!

Sugar Cookie Smores

I had to include at least one dessert. Honestly, these are making my mouth water just writing about them.

This treat only has 3 ingredients: Marshmallows, Milky Way candy bars, and sugar cookies. On a warmed grill, place the sugar cookies on the rack with 2 candy bars atop of each and heat until they begin to melt. Meanwhile, use tongs to gently toast the marshmallows over the heat until golden brown. Next, bring it all together Next, bring it all together by lying the marshmallow on top of the melted chocolate and sandwich it together with another cookie.

Warning: extreme sweet tooth required.

Colorful Plants

If you’re anything like me, you have the opposite of a green thumb. But there are lots of vibrant plants and flowers that can set definitive tones for your yard that are prefect for beginners. Sunflowers, for example can grow annually in almost any soil. They thrive in direct sunlight and attract a healthy ecosystem of critters. A spectrum of plants can turn your simple backyard into a botanical garden.

Recycling Tins as Planters

Have you found yourself with an abundance of empty tin cans after the fury of spring cleaning? Give them a quick wash and rinse, peel the label, paint whichever color you like, and use them as pots for small plants or flowers! It will add color and variety to your backyard setup. If you have kids, it’s the perfect crafty activity for them and also allows their creative input into your décor.

Painted Rocks

Another fun one for the kids. By simply painting shapely rocks and distributing along a path, it will make your yard feel more open and inviting. Personal touches such as painting, and DIY projects go a long way. Acrylic paint often works the best and is very affordable.

Outdoor Furniture

Adding furniture and seating to your yard displays inviting tones for all intended guests. It provides a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, even when you’re not expecting company.

Now, this can get a little pricey if you’re not careful. Patio furniture can be painfully expensive, but shopping smart can slash those prices into thirds. Most stores sell outdoor chairs, couches, and pillows with heavy discounts during the winter months.

Estate Sales

These tend to open up a little more in the warmer months and offer higher quality items than you would find at a regular garage sale. From tables and chairs to sectional couches, you can usually find anything at estate sales for over half the original price. There are apps you can download which notify you when an estate sale goes live in your area.

Birdhouses

These are probably my favorite backyard items. It truly brings your yard to life. Not only do you get to watch colorful birds dive down and socialize with each other, but they also help clear up pests and insects you’ve got running around. You take advantage of a natural ecosystem. You can always buy a birdhouse, but they’re very easy to craft yourself. If you do decide you purchase one, try giving it a custom paint job.

String, Stake, and Solar Lighting

Dim, string lighting has a magical power that turns almost any environment into a cozy abode. It’s usually really cheap at the stores and come weather proofed.

Stake lighting is an excellent way to illuminate plant/flower beds and other hidden areas without too much clutter since they can be cleverly hidden.

Solar lights are perfect for path lighting. They charge throughout the day and show you the way during the evening hours. It’s an inexpensive way to add professional ambiance to your yard.  

DIY Firepit

Is there anything better than the smell of a campfire on a warm summer night? All you need is a shovel, brick, and an assortment of smaller stones for a DIY backyard firepit. If you are unsure about the construction, there are tons of simple-to-follow videos on the internet. Large stones can be affordably purchased at most home improvement stores or gardening centers

Stress management can look different for different people. Still, there are specific research-backed methods for reducing tension and anxiety that can be powerful tools in feeling more calm and centered. Try one of these five techniques today.

1. Start a Meditation Practice

Sitting quietly and doing nothing may be the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling stressed, but it can have a significant positive impact on your mood. A regular meditation practice, even just a few minutes a day, could help you feel more relaxed and improve your ability to handle stressful situations. Not only that, but meditation can also boost your self-awareness, bolster your physical health, keep you sharp as you age, and more.

Read More: Why You Should Begin a Meditation Practice and Tips to Get You Started

2. Pick up an Outdoor Hobby

Being cooped up inside more than normal might be making you feel stressed, but the antidote is to simply get outside. Find a hobby like hiking or gardening, which is a stress-reliever in and of itself, to give yourself more excuses to spend your time in the outdoors. Being in nature and around trees has been shown through research to drive down both blood pressure and stress.

3. Spend Time with Your Pets

One of your biggest supporters in stress reduction may be sitting right next to you as you’re reading this article. Spending time with your animal companion and even just looking at them can trigger the release of oxytocin, which makes you feel better while lowering cortisol and lessening your feelings of stress.

Read More: 8 Ways Your Pets Are Good for Your Health

4. Get Regular Exercise

When you’re thinking about stress reduction, you want to essentially think about hacking your brain to produce the right reactions. Exercise is one way to do this since it releases endorphins, i.e., happy hormones. The best kind of exercise to choose is the one you’ll stick with. If you hate running, try speed-walking or going dancing. If you’re a solo exerciser, weightlifting, yoga, swimming, or hiking can be good choices. Another positive benefit of regular exercise is that you might even sleep better, which brings us to our final point.

5. Prioritize Good Sleep

When you’re running on little sleep, it can feel like nothing is going right. While poor sleep can contribute to your anxieties, it’s unfortunately a side effect of stress as well. To give yourself less to worry about on a daily basis, make a plan and commit to the goal of getting better sleep. Some sleep tips that could help you include reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake, especially right before you’re about to go to sleep, reducing nighttime screentime, and keeping your room on the cool side.

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The world is a stressful place. While you can’t control all the external factors that raise your stress levels, you can do a lot to manage your state of mind. Add one of these techniques to your routine, and you may see your mood start to improve while your day-to-day tension melts away.

Springtime is back!

And with it, a slew of tiny invaders trying to weasel their way into your sinus track.

Although there isn’t a cure for seasonal allergies, there are tons of different methods and techniques that help alleviate them without the use of over-the-counter medication.

Check Your Diet

What you consume can either make or break your allergies.

Spicy foods are renowned for their sinus clearing capabilities. (There’re worse things in life than spicy food being the cure for something)

Eating a spoonful of organic honey each day reduces the effects of allergies. It’s a known cough suppressant but can also sooth inflamed areas, like constricted airways in the throat.

Regulated exposure to allergens actually reduces their affects. Honey contains small amounts of pollen that’re perfect for the job!

Not all foods help, some make allergies worse.

Peanuts, sugars, shellfish, and certain processed foods have been known to induce symptoms. Try cutting back on coffee as well, especially if you add cream or milk. Coffee and dairy tiggers mucus production that makes allergies worsen.

Pro-Biotics and Vitamin-C

Using (boarder-line depending) on vitamin-C while enduring flew-like symptoms is old news.

Vitamin-C greatly reduces your bodies response to allergens. Pro-biotics (potent in kombucha and kimchi) boost the immune system.

Wash Your Face/Hands

Love isn’t the only thing in the air during spring, pollen too! And when ever you venture into the outdoors you acquire small amounts of allergen stowaways on your clothes, skin, and hair. Wash your hands and rinse your face every time you come back from outside.

Specialty Oils

Certain natural oils hold beneficial properties for different occasions.

Eucalyptus and Peppermint oils are used to sooth sore throats and eliminate coughs by relaxing the muscles. This opens up the airways helping with allergy induced respiratory issues.

Lemon oil has shown to reduce sinus pressure. Always be careful with citric based oils, prolonged exposure to the sun can have harmful effects.

Keep the Windows Up

It’s exciting opening the windows and airing out the home after a long winter, but you’re also allowing pollen and dander infiltrate your home! It isn’t an ideal method, but it’s one that gets results.

Sinus Rinsing

Rinsing the sinuses clears debris, such as pollen and dirt, from the nasal cavity, alleviating allergies. It can even breakdown thick deposits of mucus.

A special pot called a “netty pot” is used. It looks like a teapot, but you definitely don’t want to use it for that. The narrow spout pours solution through one nostril and filters out through the other.

Humidifiers

High humidity helps clear sinus congestion by moistening nasal tissues making it easier to expel invasive allergens. It can also reduce inflammation in sensitive areas which helps clear airways.

Always be sure to keep up proper maintenance on a humidifier. Poorly cleaned humidifiers can increases allergy symptoms. Build ups of dust covering the filter will eventually disperse through the vents causing increased symptoms and potential respiratory issues.